Prevent Water Through Pipe Sleeve Clearance?

12/9/2020

I have two questions on projects in areas that are seismic regions D or more restrictive and flood prone/high water table:

NFPA 13 (2016) Section 9.3.4.3 where clearance is provided by a pipe sleeve, 4 in. pipe & larger require 4 in. larger pipe sleeve. So if we are providing a below grade wall or floor penetration, that experiences high water tables and flooding.

What are the most common practices to prevent ground water intrusion through the pipe sleeve?

NFPA 13 Section 9.3.4.8 states - where required, the clearance shall be filled with flexible material that is compatible with the piping material. Is this most likely a water proofing or rated caulk?

My original thoughts lead me to something like a Metraflex Sliding MetraSeal or any pipe sleeve seal on the market, but think that would go against the internal pipe sleeve clearance requirements. Any suggestions on best practices?

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Jeremy

12/9/2020 10:12:59 am

A common practice when penetrating through an exterior wall is to use a "Link seal".

Dave

12/9/2020 10:43:46 am

I agree with Jeremy, for decades I have designed utilizing LinkSeal products. Currently working on one where I'm scratching my head on the best way to do the restraint, can't really run the rods through the link seal.

Colin Lusher

12/9/2020 01:28:37 pm

Can you just use an MJ Sleeve or Elbow with restraining glands and eliminate the rods altogether?

12/9/2020 01:53:32 pm

I think you are right, Colin, I like to see two types of restraint but I guess that is still doable. I welcome more discussion on the topic.

Glenn Berger

12/9/2020 10:44:35 am

https://www.gptindustries.com/en/products/link-seal - Adding a link (pun intended) to Jeremy's response. These typically cost more, but less problems over time.

Colin Lusher link

12/9/2020 10:46:14 am

Agree with Jeremy; I've used "Link seal" when penetrating a basement wall with a low water table. But the best solution, if at all possible, would be to avoid the penetration altogether and enter the building above grade. I understand that it's not always possible however.

Jonathan Joseph

12/9/2020 01:55:50 pm

If your in a high flood zone but also in a moderate siesmic zones. The linkseal or metroflex options will work for a great deal of water head and psi however, flexible couplings should still be installed for your seismic protection due to the clearance issue.

Mineral wool for packing and using caulking typically will have a class 1 water rating but can only hold up to 3ft of head which is roughly 1.3 psi

Jonathan Sullivan

12/11/2020 09:25:25 am

By this you are referring to the requirement where if there is no clearance is provided flex connectors are required on both sides of the penetration? What do you use on the underground side?

Will Parrish

12/9/2020 06:12:59 pm

Straight up Oakum

Prevent Water Through Pipe Sleeve Clearance?

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